Join us each Wednesday for an answer to another “What If” insurance question. Everyday questions for everyday life – answered right here on the McClain Insurance blog at AutoHomeBoat.WordPress.com
If you have a “What If” question that you’d like answered, please simply submit a comment below, or send an e-mail to claudia[at]mcagent.org.
What If My Pipes Freeze and Burst in Winter Weather?
Pipes are a tricky topic in the insurance world.
Sudden and accidental discharge of water from within plumbing is covered under most homeowner’s insurance policies. Damage caused by a frozen pipe usually qualifies as “sudden and accidental” provided that you have used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building or shut off the water supply and drained your system of water during a period when the house is unoccupied.
Coverage includes:
- The cost to access the broken pipe (such as tearing out a wall)
- Necessary repairs or replacement for any damaged property (such as drying out flooded carpets or replacing destroyed electronics)
- The cost to repair and restore the wall once the pipe has been fixed.
Note: Normally, the actual cost to repair the section of broken or frozen pipe is not covered, but this is generally a small part of the total cost of the claim.
There are a few exceptions to these normal rules:
If the loss occurs over a period of time, for example due to a small crack that causes slow leakage, the ensuing damage may not be covered. Why? Because the loss is not seen as a “sudden or accidental” occurrence, but might be a maintenance issue instead. Water losses that occur due to lack of maintenance are not covered on a standard homeowner’s policy.
If a below-the-ground water service line to your house bursts, you may experience damage inside your home caused by the over-saturation of the earth around the leak. Unfortunately, such damage is also not covered on a standard homeowner’s insurance policy: Damage caused by sub-surface water is excluded.
If you decide to make a claim, keep in mind that you have to pay your deductible, which usually is $1,000. A claim may also cause your homeowner’s insurance rates to increase. It pays to weigh the cost of deductible and potential rate increase against the cost to pay for the damage out of pocket.
Our best advice:
- Avoid a loss with good maintenance.
- Prepare for frozen pipes in cold weather by covering external faucets.
- Leave adequate heat on in the house during bitter cold weather.
- If you have a water loss, contact a water mitigation company (like Servicemaster) as soon as possible. These experts have the knowledge and equipment to dry out your home before mold and mildew set in.
For more information on homeowner’s insurance, please visit https://www.autohomeboat.com/research-center/home-insurance
Please Note: The information in this blog is illustrated in examples and refers to insurance law in Washington State. Actual claims scenarios might vary, be subject to different regulations in other states, and/or be subject to exceptions and exclusions of your particular homeowner’s insurance contract. If you have a claim, please contact your agent or insurance company directly for answers on coverage questions.